Thursday, April 12, 2012

Who are you?

As my husband and I approach our 25th wedding anniversary, we've decided it's time for a trip. A good one. We had talked about Europe. Or a trip north and then east. I've always wanted to see Nova Scotia. We had also considered flying into San Diego and driving the entire length of the Pacific Coast Highway which sounded like a really awesome vacation, but nothing really spoke to us or felt right. Then early this week, we finally settled on Alaska by cruise ship out of either Seattle or Vancouver and were this close || to booking such a trip, but something was--besides the fact we've never been on a cruise and he's prone to motion sickness--bothering me.

I'd love to see Alaska and its pristine glaciers, but cruising up the Inside Passage and stopping for only a few short hours in a touristy little town is not my idea of sightseeing. As I read review after review about these cruises, it dawned on me that this was not the trip for either one of us.

As a couple, I know us well enough to know that the only trip we could comfortably take is one on four wheels and on our own schedule. Early on Wednesday morning I proposed an alternative to Alaska seen by ship that seemed to ring true for both of us. After work last night, I dusted off one of my virtual books and bought two new ones. It's all over but the planning and come August, we will pile into my little SUV and drive down Interstate 94 to where it actually begins... in Montana. From there, like thousands of others making this trek, we'll find a way into one of the most famous of our National Parks: Yellowstone. According to Mapquest, the park is only 1,600 miles, or 26 hours away from our house in Michigan.

I'm looking forward to spotting a few big ass bears in the wild (none too close up, but I will carry bear spray just in case), waterfalls, geysers, geothermal pastel colored pools, famous presidents carved into mountains, wildflowers I never knew existed, bison, buffalo, coyotes, elk, wolves and the like.

Where the idea of going on the Alaskan cruise was inexplicably giving me fits and felt wrong in more ways than one, I can completely picture the two of us celebrating 25 years together in one of the most beautiful places on earth.

It pays to know yourself and the one you love.

16 comments:

Jane said...

That's sounds like a wonderful way to celebrate. Now you can enjoy the anticipation of it's arrival

SkippyMom said...

Perfect. Just perfect.

Knitty said...

What a great plan! Bill and I enjoy cruising, but it isn't for everyone just as skydiving sounds exciting to some but crazy to me.

Gail said...

Wow, I have always wanted to go there.

Rositta said...

Sounds like a lovely trip being planned. I have to say that Nova Scotia is a beautiful place to visit though and you should consider it someday. My husband wants to do the Alaska cruise but I'm not terribly keen as I get seasick. I'm told thought that because the inside passage cruise is actually quite gentle. Enjoy your trip...ciao

NCmountainwoman said...

Great idea! Travel safely and have a wonderful time.

The Bug said...

Mike & I would TOTALLY love to do this! Maybe we can in 4 years for our 25th...

My boss took his family there & thoroughly enjoyed it - brought back some great pics.

Enjoy!

Brenda said...

I like your post title. So true that what some would enjoy... others don't. I once recommended a trip to Sedona to someone and they were more island or beach vacationers...so they didn't enjoy Sedona. I have always wanted to go to Montana and Wyoming and the Dakotas. I hope you and your hubby have a wonderful time!
Congrats on the 25 years!!!

Stephanie V said...

Oh, rats! I was getting very excited about you being in my home town! Oh well, Alaska will still be there. I've been on two cruises there and always found things to interest me. I could even go back.
But I agree that you should do what your heart says is right.
But, rats! Really.

Mimi said...

Sounds like you've found just the trip for the two of you, and that should make it a fantastic experience.
Hubby and I will (PG) be 25yrs anniv. next year, so time to start thinking about how to celebrate!

Ruth said...

Sounds perfect !

Empress Bee (of the high sea) said...

good for you knowing what is "right" for you. cruising is right for me but certainly not for everyone. have a wonderful time!

smiles, bee
xoxoxoxoxoox

Silliyak said...

Sounds like a perfect trip, and this from someone who got a speeding ticket in Yosemite. Having said that, at another date you might look into a small boat cruise in Alaska. My late FIL did it and loved it. My bride and I did an on your own trip which was complicated but we enjoyed it.

Unknown said...

We know a place to stay in Dillon, Montana--and they have a fabulous pizza place there! And a friend in nearby Argenta, Montana. Let me know if you'd like their info. And, see the Tetons!!!People said they're more spectacular than Yellowstone and we scoffed,"How can THAT be?" They were right.

Rudee said...

DBSO, the Tetons are on the list, as is Mt. Rushmore and hopefully, the Devils Tower Monument.

Finding Pam said...

I have been wanting to go to Montanna and wyoming for so long. Something about Montanna calls out to my spirit.

August will be here before you know it. I look forward to hearing all about it.

Happy 25th anniversary.